Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

SOC code 27-1013 · O*NET-SOC 27-1013.00 · Medium preparation needed

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$55,490

a year

Hourly

$26.68

per hour

10th$31,630Median$55,49090th$144,210

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$73,150

$35.17 per hour

Middle 50%

$37,560 – $83,200

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$31,630 – $144,210

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

11,220

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $31,630; $15.21/hr
25th percentile: $37,560; $18.06/hr
Median percentile: $55,490; $26.68/hr
75th percentile: $83,200; $40.00/hr
90th percentile: $144,210; $69.33/hr

What do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators do?

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.
Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold some college courses — 37% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Some College Courses37%
Bachelor's Degree35%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)27%
Post-Secondary Certificate0%

Common questions

How much does a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn?

The national median is $55,490 a year. The full range runs from $31,630 at the 10th percentile to $144,210 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Writing2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Design4.3/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
English Language3.9/5
Production and Processing3.6/5
Fine Arts3.5/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Communications and Media3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management.